El Cantante

Manda tu crítica

 

There will likely be lots of scoffing at Marc Anthony's interpretation--both on disc and onscreen--of late salsa singer Hector Lavoe. But let's not forget that Anthony is a salsa superstar in his own right. He has anchored some of the genre's most thrilling moments and has taken salsa to audiences not normally exposed to the sweltering sound. The El Cantante soundtrack is a solid effort, notable for Anthony's dedication to recreating Lavoe's distinct delivery and phrasing. He puts aside his own emotive stylings for a more subdued performance on several tracks, including the celebratory 'Mi Gente' and the mournful 'Escandalo.' Anthony is virtually unrecognizable during 'Che Che Cole,' 'Quitate,' and the standout 'Que Lio,' which makes the project all the more intriguing. Jennifer Lopez, Anthony's wife in real life and onscreen in El Cantante, croons pensive closing ballad 'Toma de Mi.' Even without the film, the soundtrack stands as an earnest homage to a tragic icon. --Joey Guerra